Ignition-dynamo.



C. T. MASON.

IGNITION DYNAMO.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 19, 1915.

1,226,233. Patented May15,1917.

4 SHEETS-SHEET I.

C. T. MASON.

IGNITION DYNAMO.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 19, 1915.

Patented May 15, 1917.

C. T. MASON.

IGNITION DYNAMO.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 19. 1915.

Patent-ed May15, 1917.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

rczerLZ or."

0. T. MASON.

IGNITION DYNAMO.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 19. I915.

Patented May 15, 1917 4 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

I MIII- fiweILZZr."

v UNITED STATES PATENT oFFIoE.

CHARLES THOMAS MASON, OF SUMTER, SOUTH CAROLINA, ASSIGNOR, BY ME SNE ASSIGNMENTS, TO SPLITDORF ELECTRICAL. COMPANY, OF NEW'ARK, NEW J ER- SEY,'.A CORPORATION OF NEW JERSEY.

IGNITION-DYNAMIC. v

. tion-Dynamos, of.which the following is a specification, reference being had to the ac-.

companying drawing.

My invention relates to methods of and apparatus for generating and distributing electriccurrent, and more particularly to v such methods and apparatus as applied to ignition'systems for internal combustion engines. It has for its object the production of high-tension currents under perfect control, and.their distribution among a pluralityof translating devices such as thespark plugs ofa ,gas engine, in a simple and efli= cient manner. As hereinafterspecifically described, the invention is especially useful in connection with gas engines having a number of cylinders, and therefore a number of spark plugs, constituting a multiple of four. The principles underlying the in vention are such, however,that by making suitable changes in the mechanism employed, they may be applied to other numbers than four and its multiples.

Stated in general terms, I attain my object by generating electromotive forces and impressing them upon a unitary circuit which in operation becomes sequentiallyconnected with the translating devices through a methodof multiple selection, involving their circuits in groups 'and as units. In order to perform the multiple selections simultaneously, whic'h is desirable for several reasons to be hereinafter pointed out, I treat the individual circuits'as units for all. purposes; that is to say, I determine the group to be selected at any given instant,

and simultaneously determine the unit in any idle translating" device, to greatly lessen the liability of leakage or of sparks jum'ping to terminals'for which they are notintended.

Statediin terms of apparatus, electromo- Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented May 15, 19 17.

, Application'filed-June 19, 1915. Seria1No.35,1 55..

tive force generated by any suitable. agency, such as the wl-nding of a magneto, 1s 1mpressed upon a trunk conductor in a distribsigned for an eight cylinder engine, I may conveniently arrange the fixed distributing terminals in two groups of four. and terminate the trunk conductor on a parallel-con nected group of f0ll1 fiX(1 terminals; and finally arrange the traveling elements in two pairs, each having one terminal cooperating with the'fixed terminals of the trunk conductor, and the other terminal with the fixed terminals of one of the distributing groups. By properly relating the various terminals, the traveling pairs are caused to sequentially connect the unit terminals of the trunk conductor with the unit terminals of one or the other group, but only one of each at a time. I

It will be apparent after very slight study of the principle here presented, that it may be applied to distribution among various numbers of sets of terminals, each consisting of a desired number of units. Also this method of distribution may be practised with a variety of machines, and even by hand. -A striking advantageflowing from the simultaneous selection of groups (through the trunk conductor terminals) and of units in the groups (through the traveling pairs), is the introduction'of a double gap, due to the fact that when one terminal of. a traveling pair is moving away from a fixed trunk terminal, the corresponding terminal of the same traveling pair is also moving away from the unit terminal in the group appertaining tosaid trunk terminal. Only, one of these gaps is present in an ordinary distributer, and if we indicate its extent or the resistance introduced into the circuit thereby, asw, and the extent of the secondgap in the present case by 2 then oicourse the total gap provided by the present invention is (2+ If the mechanical'arrangement is such as to permit all fixed terminals to be placedthe same dis-.

tance apart, then the 'gapwould increase'to still be done with an actual increase in eifi-,i

ciency, and an increase in the spacing of the safety gap.

My invention is illustrated in the accompanying-drawings in which" Figure l is a vertical sectional view "through a complete generatlng unit-adapted to firing an eight cylinder engine, or for any other purpose in which eight sparking circuits are to be supplied in succession. This figure shows all the parts of the generator, and also assembled thereon the interrupter and the distributer. I r v Fig. 2 is an end elevation of the complete unit shown .in Fig. 1, looking inthe direction of the arrow above the latter. Figs. 3, 4, 5 and 6 are respectively a perspective view, a plan View, an end elevation, and a side elevation of the housing for the rotor of the generator, showing particularly the arrangement of the pole faces of the armature or coil structure.

Figs. 7 and 8 are respectively a front elevation with the cap removed, and. a side elevation with the cap in section, of the interrupter shown with the cap on inthe lower part of Fig. 2.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the complete I machine with the cap or fixed part of the interrupter detached and supported in reverse position to show the fixed terminals within it.

Referring to the drawings, 1 shall indicate the generator per se, without the interrupter and distributer, by the letter G, and all of its parts by the letter g with distinguishing numerical exponents. Similarly, I shall indicate the interrupter as a whole by the let ter I and its several parts by the letter 2' with distinguishing numerical exponents; and I shall indicate the distributer as a whole by the:letter D and its several parts by the letter dwith distinguishing numerical exponents.

1 The generator which has been selected for use in this assembly with my improved system of distribution is of the general type for which I have received Letters Patent of the United States Nos. 1,081,760, granted Dec. 16, 1913, 1105.301, granted July 28. 1914, and 1,126.676. granted January 26, 1915.

It is to be understood that other-types of generator may be used in the present combination, or in other words, that the dis tributer, the system and the method of dis-. 'tribution. as also the interrupter herein described, may be applied to other types of generator than that shown. Nevertheless, there are some features in this specific generator which adapt it particularly for its present use, which features containing novelty will be claimed.

The generator comprises three principal parts, viz. the field conveniently composed of permanent magnets g, the rotor composed of two flux carrying elements 9 and g supported upon a shaft g*-g and an armature or coil structure composed of the core 9 bridging across laminated pole pieces g and and carrylng a winding 9 and condenser 9 WhlCh, however, Wlll not be broadly I claimed herein as it is described and claimed in my prior Patent No. 1,105,361, granted July 28, 1914. The coil also carries anarcshaped contact 9 (Figs. land 5) mounted upon an insulating bridge 9 extending between the heads of the magnet. This contact 9 has a tongue 9 which extends downwardly into proximity with the metal frame, to form a safety gap. In general this feature is the same as shown in my prior application filed January 25, 1915 Serial No.

4 357, the functions of the arc-shaped contact and the tongue being the same in both cases, and the general features of the machines throughout being the same, although they differ in matters of detail. The principal difference between the arrangement of the coil contacts in said application and in the present case is that my present distributer carries a common terminal or trunk conductor which makes direct contact with the arc-shaped terminal g on the coil, whereby the necessity for intermediate wiringanr'l insulation is avoided.

The shaft ends 9* and are preferably connected by a non-magnetic block to which they are secured by pins 9 and 9 as indicated in dotted lines inFig. 1. The shaft ends extend in opposite directions through, sleeves g" and g, outside of which they carry ball races and g constituting which are carried on the frame of the machine. It will be observed that the shafts (1 and g extend through openings in the field magnets, and that the rotor elements are embraced between the field magnet poles, each element constituting a movable pole piece and each being in continuous conductive magnetic relation with its own magnet pole through thesleeve g" or 9 these sleeves being of iron or equivalent material.

- The rotor elements are formed in U-shape and are arranged with their arms in quadrature. Inasmuch as the flux must pass from a north to'a south pole and vice versa. the fixed poles g and g are exposed in quadrature to the action of these elements. in the angular relation which is best shown in F ig.

marked 9", and similarly the exposed face of the-pole g is marked {1 With this arrangement, aseach diverse pair of poles passes the fixed polar faces 9? and a reversal of flux structure.

through the coil takes place. Obviously the number of such reversals can be increased by One terminalof the generatingrcoil being the arc g, the other terminal is grounded on the frame. In order that the open terminal g shall be properly controlled by the circuit breaker for short circuiting except at the instant of each break, I carry a conductor ff from the winding of the coil down beneath the armature structure and through a slot in the side of the frame of the machine, into the interrupter boxI. This conductor 9 maybe and preferably is protected by a rigid envelop or casing ofsome kind, but I make no claim thereto in this case, as thesame is described and claimed in my application Serial No. 4357 hereinabove referred to. v

The poles g and 5 are embedded in a cylindrical casting of non-magnetic metal, such as brass or so-called white metal or the like,

this being indicated in. Figs. 3 and 5 by the letter y. This casting constitutes a housing forthe rotor elementscomplete excepting at-its upper portion marked where an airgap is left for the purpose'of preventing eddy currents and undue heating. Thisgap or opening as'indicated by the screw holes in Fig. 4 is adapted to be closed by a cover of non-conducting material such as fiber or mica.

The interrupter I is shown in section in- Fig. 1, and in elevation with the cap in place in Fig. 2. It is best shown in Figs. 7 and 8, wherein it is supposed to be detached from the magneto. It comprises a fixed contact piece or anvil z" and a movable contact lever i pivoted to the base at i and held in place by the end of a spring 2' itself secured to the base at 2', said lever carrying a fiber ,bumper 2' with an operating cam i mountand forming the terminal of the conductor leading-from the primary winding of the coil as heretofore described. A mate "contact 2' on the lever i '1s normally pressed against the fixed contact i by the spring 2'", i

but is removed therefrom to produce a break as the cam 11 operates upon the bumper i In the present case this cam has-four elevations and four depressions around its periphery, and these are properly positioned with respect to the four arms of the rotor elements 9 and 9 so that the breaks will occur at the proper points on the E. M. F.

and current waves. It is to be particularly may be readily cut out or disabled when desired, I provide meansfor grounding the anvil contact piece a" which I believe to be novel and original and which I shallthere; fore claim. This comprises a contact spring i fastened at its outer end upon the arc shaped anvil and extending along a radius to the center of the breaker box, being at the sametime bent upwardly (as bestshown in Figs. 1 and 8) so as to carry its inner extremity; away from the operating parts. The cap 2' is cup-shaped and fits around a shouldered portion i of the base of the breaker. On the inside of the head of this cap Iprovide a contacting strip 2', insulated from the metal of the cap by an undertact piece or anvil 2".

The benefit of this cap construction, with the ground terminal offset from the center, will be understood when it is noted (see Fig. 2) that an ordinary straight spring i secured at i to a post on the frame-of the machine, is employed to hold the cap in place. This spring cannotwell be offset, because the entire breaker structure is rotated through angles indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 2, for purposes of timing, and a balanced pressure for all adjusted positoins of the breaker can only be attained at the center of the cap. While this may perhaps be a detail of construction, itis important because a machine of this type'is not only run at high speed, but is subject to constant movement and adjustment of'its parts, so that the equalizing of strains or pressure andthe avoidance of unnecessary wear is absolutely essential throughout.

While I have referred in general terms the outer endof the sleeve g, which projects from the circular flange which wlth a compamon flange on the opposite partially rotate the polar faces 9 and g around the axis of the rotor. As the angular position of these poles determines the time of peak E. M. F. and'current generated in the coil 9 the time of breaking the contacts 2' z' correspondsthereto when thev parts move together.

The distributer D. which as illustrated is especially designed for an eight cylinder engine, is mounted upon the side plate or frame '9 of the machine and comprises as its essentials a rotary part (1 which is geared to the rotor shaft so as to be actuated therewith, this rotary part carrying circuit distributing terminals which will be more fully described, and a fixed part (Z upon which are mounted in circular series the groups or'fixed contacts constituting terminals of the several distribution circuits, in the present case supposed to be the branch circuits leading to the spark plugs on an eight cylinder engine.

The rotary part (Z consists of a substan- I tially'cylindrical body of insulation d with a substantially cylindrical stem (Z projecting from one end of the body in the line of its axis. The stem and body are bored from end to end to receive a tubular metallic stem 03 carrying inner and outer terminals (Z and d These terminals may be made adjustable in the stem (i in a variety of ways, They may both be spring pressed plungers, or they may simply be the contact ends of screws tapped into the tube (i or they may be solid terminals of the tube and the lat wells tl and d (see Figs. 1 and 2). In

these wells are placed plunger contacts or brushes (Z and (Z pressed outwardly by suitable springs, and preferably sliding in metallic cylindrical casings set into the wells. As shown in Fig. 2, these two wells and their brushes are angularly displaced for purposes which will be presently explained, and as shown in Fig. 1, they are also set in different planes along the axis of the cylinder, so that they will trace separate circles around the inside'of the fixed part 41 The fixed terminals carried by the fixed part (i are ranged around these circles in two groups, of four terminals each, the distribution of these terminalsaround each circle being well shown in Fig. 2, and the spacing apart of the two circles along the axis of the cylinder being indicated in Fig. 1. The brush (Z sweeps over the inner ends ofbne circular set of fixed terminals and the brush (Z sweeps over the inner ends of the other circular set. Thesetwo brushes, it should now be explained, are angularly displaced from each other, as shown in Fig. 2 in dotted lines, .to such a degree that when either one of them is in contact with a terminal in its appropriate group or set, the other brush will be midway between two terminals of its set. These two brushes, (7" and J both carry current, but by means which will behereafter detailed. each of the brushes is dead when the other is connected to the trunk conductor or stem and therethrough to the terminal 7 of the generating coil. The

trunk conductor is connected alternately to one brush and then to the other, hence cur rent is fed alternately to a terminal of one set and then to a terminal of the other, these terminals followingeach other as the part at rotates.

The means for alternating the connection of the two brushes to the generator is as follows:

Embedded in the cap of the fixed part (Z are four fixed terminals d d, al (1 all of which are connected as indicated at in Fig. 1, to a central stem d carrying at its inner end the exposed central terminal d shown as slightly cupped out to receive the outer contact of the metallic tube or stem (1. Thus. all four of the contacts (Z d, d, (7 are alive during all the time that the generator is running. They are connected to the brushes (Z and (Z however, only one at a time. For this purpose I form in the end'of the body (Z two wells (Z and (Z in which I place brushes 21 and This last brush (Z and its well as shown happen to be in coincidence with the contact al but the brush (Z and its well are midway between two of the contacts, just as the brush (Z is midway between two of the circularly arranged terminals on the outside of the fixed part (Z The wells and arealso supposed to be lined with metal tubes and these tubes and through them their respective brushes, are respectivelyand singly connected. to the tubes and brushes d (l and ri; rZ \Vhen the parts are'in the position shown in the drawing, therefore, a circuit is complete from the coil through the contact (7 of Fig. 1, through the stem d,

.and the contact (2, to the Central fixed contact (i then to contact d, to the brush (Z thence to the brush at and thence to the particular terminal on the end set with which brush (Z at that instant is in contact,

and thence through the distribution circuit lectively determined.

Xot all of the fixed terminals the outer shell of the distributer are shown in the drawing. Four of them, however. in the outside or end set are shown in Fig. 2 and are marked If". 17% li and (7 Those in the inner circle next to the machine correspond to these in their angular position around the cylinder and are swept over by the brush 17 The mechanical connections in the distributer, for driving purposes are through the gear and the pinion g to the shaft 1 of the rotor. The ratio of gearing for the eight cylinder machine shown, is two to one. that is to say. the movable member d of tlledistlibutel is driven at a speed onehalf that of the rotor of the generator. The rotor may in practice be driven at 3000 revolutions per minute. whereby the gear and the movable part-kl of the distributer will be driven at the rate. of 1500 revolutions.

per minute; Thus. inasmuch as there are four reversals of flux and four corresponding E. )I. F. and current waves in the .coil, for each complete revolution of the rotor,

there will be eight such reversals and curing each revolution of the distributer complete a connection from the trunk conductor or stem (7- to each one ofthe eight fixed terminals J. (1 17 (1 etc., in succession.

Very parti ular attention is called to the fact that two gaps are introduced between the trunk terminal ll and each one of the terminals r (7. etc... when the latter is disconnected. One ofthese gaps is between the end brush or and the fixed terminal (I13. 17. 17" 01717. which it has left or which it has not yet reached; and the this resistance by r-l-y, r representing the secomlgap which I have introduced. I have shown the brushes (1 and (Z in the ends of the rotating part ofthe distributer, so that the angular distance between the brushes and the terminals is not quite as great at their maximum asthe distance between the peripheralbranches ti and d against the arc contact 0n the coil.

and their respective terminals; but I am not 0 limited to this arrangement. as the brushes 1F and 1] may also be made peripheral by lengthening .the cylinder, (P. In such case the quantity 1 would become equal to a:

and the. resistance of the gaps to an abnormal discharge or jump of thejspark between terminals would be 2a: or double what is obtainable in an ordinary type of distributer. Another point I emphasize is this, that the brushes and terminals are all embedded in insulation. the design of all the parts being such that even the distribution terminals 1 (7 etc.. are or may be completely covered and protected by insulating material. Possibility of short circuiting or of jumping of the sparks is therefore reduced to a minimum. and the high tension current which I generate and employ inthis machine is as free from accidental diversion or shunting as that of an ordinary low tensio machine.

The pinion I and the gear wheel (Z are inclosed in a cast frame which is best shown in Fig. the fi'xed part or shell of the distributer in said figure being removed and set to one side with its open end presented to the observer. periphery of the upper part of this frame are three clamps which in Fig. 2 are shown in position to hold the shell of the distributer in place. and in Fig. 9 are shown slacked oil" to permit the removal of the shell. The shell when in position exerts pressure through contact (Z upon the end of the terminal (I (see Fig. 1), and thereby holds the movable part in position, with its stem extending through the tubular, hub of the gearing and bushing, through. the frame and through the bushed opening so that the inner contact (.Z" is held firmly The mechanical connection between the body of the removable member of the distributer and the gear r1" by which it is turned, is through a bushing or metal ring ri carrying projecting pins or studs which en- Set around the gage in sockets in the body when the latter is placed in position. the ring lying in an annular channel in the body outside ofv which the latter has a flange which rests against the face of the gear (l'-.- The ring 17 forms a part of a hollow hub d, which rotates inside the bearing, sleeve on the. frame. the arrangement of'the ournal beardescription and a casual inspection of Figs. 1

1. 2 and 9. that by merely slacking off the clamps the shell or fixed part of the distributer may be removed withall 0f the distributing contacts (Z d, etc., and there being nothing then to hold the rotary part in position. the latter may be removed by tise the invention when free to .do so, and

not for purposes of limitation.- I find it very convenient, especially when adapting this device to more than eight cylinders, to cut away all superfluous material from the body d, leaving only a central cylinder or hub, and enough insulating material projecting therefrom in radial masses to furnish bodies in which to embed the brush contacts d, (W, d and d, and to furnish perhaps a screen between any. two points which have a. large difference of potential, such points for example being the distribution contacts (Z of, etc., and the contact (i in the cap. This concludes the description of an eight cylinder magneto embodying my invention. I wish to point out, l1owever, very briefly, the method by which the same principles may be applied to a twelve cylinder or other multi-circuit engine.

It is apparent that the total number of cylinders is a multiple of the number of flux reversals produced by the rotor in each revolution. As heretofore described, with two U-shaped elements'and four flux reversals per revolution, the distributer being driven at one-half the speed of the rotor, we have eight E. M. F. and current wave peaks per revolution of the distributer. Now, for a twelve cylinder engine, we must have 12current peaks per revolution of the distributer, and these may be produced in either one of two ways, viz. (a) by increasing the number of prongs on each element of'the rotor to three instead of two, so that the two elements of the rotor interlock like two three-pronged forks with their prongs alternating, whereby there will be actually six reversals of flux' per revolution, because there are six pairs of opposite poles presented in a ring around the rotor. By gearing the distributer still as two to one, the rotor willmake two complete revolutions for each one revolution of the distributer and we shall therefore have twelve completecurrent changes per revolution of the distributer. To take advantage of these, and distribute them properly. it is only necessary to set the distribution terminals d, J, etc., around the distributer shell with six in each circle instead of four, and to increase the number of cooperating cap terminals d (5, cl, (Z to six instead of around the shell of the distributor but there would have to be three sets or circles of these contacts instead of two, three brushes like (I and (1" instead of two. and three end brushes like (Z and (il inst *ad of two.

In setting these end-brushes, instead of each brush contacting when the following brush is half way between terminals, the space between terminals would'have to be divided by three, since there are three pairs of brushes. Thus brush No. 1 would make contact when No. 2 was one-third back of it, and No. 3 brush two-thirds back of it.

The description of the generator coil y hereinbefore given, should be supplemented by the following explanation: This being a high tension machine, the coil in question carries primary and secondary windings. The condenser has one of its terminals connected to one terminal of the primary winding of the coil. and while this arrangement is shown and described herein for convenience, it should be understood that it constitutes a separate invention and has been made the subject matter of description and claims in another case. The secondary winding of the coil, which is a high tension winding, has one terminal grounded on the frame and the otherterminal connected to the carefully insulated contactg. It is the high tension current from the secondary winding which is conveyed through the stem conductor d. and distributed among the distribution-terminals (Z etc. The function of the interrupter as will be readily understood. is fundamentally the same as that of any ordinary interrupter, maintaining the discharge circuit disabled or shunted until the discharge point is reached and then breaking the shunt.

Having thus described my invention what I claim and desire to s cure by Letters Patentis- 1. The method of distributing ignition current from a trunk point to a plurality of spark devices which consists in providing a plurality of groups of two or more units individually connected to the respective spark devices. and selecting first one group of units and then another and simultaneously connecting a selected unit in said group to said trunk point.

2. The method of distributing ignition current from a trunk point to a plurality of i i t i l l l spark devices which consists in arranging the receiving terminals for the spark devices in groups of two or more and selecting first onegroup of terminals and then another and simultaneously connecting a unit terminal in said group with a unit terminal in a series of mechanically separated but electrically connected contacts connected'with said trunk point. v

In the method of distributing ignition current from a trunk point to a plurality of spark devices'ot an internal combustion engine which consists in arranging the receiving terminals for the respective spark devices in a plurality of groups of'two or more. and simultaneously selecting one of said groups at a time and connecting a unit terminal therein with an associated unit contact in a series of mechanically separated hut electrically connected contacts connected to said trunk conductor. v

i. A system for generation and distribution of electric currents amonga pluality of translating devices in determinate order, comprising the following instrumentalities: a source of electromotive force andcurrent, a common trunlrconductor connected thereto, a plurality of selective terminals inechanically separated hut electrically I connected to said trunk conductor, a plurality of groups or sets of selective terminals each corresptmding to one of the selective terminals connected with the trunk conductor,

and each group contaming'agnumher of separate unit terminals severally connected to determinate unit translating devices, and cooperating selective terminals in pairs, the number of pairs corresponding to the number of groups or sets of translating device terminals. said pairs having simultaneous relative motion with respecttothe several selective terminals. and each pair consisting of one terminal adapted to cooperate with the selective terminals of the trunk conductor. while its associated terminal cooperates with the unit terminalsof the particular group or set, to which t-hepair corresponds.

A system for generation and distribution of electric currentsamong a plurality of translating devices indeterminate order, coniprising the following instrumentalities: a source of electromotive force and"current, a trunk conductor connected to said source, and a distributer containing a plurality of fixed terminals mechanically separated but all electrically connected to said. trunk conductor, a plurality of groups or sets each composed of a plurality of fixed unit termipals connected to determinate translating devices. anda plurality of traveling pairs of terminals. onepair for each group or set of unit terminals, each pair having one terminal adapted totravel over and-sequentially effect contact with terminals of the trunk conductor, While the associated terminal of the pair travels over and simultaneously and successively effects contact with determinate unit terminals of its group or set.

6. A system for generation and distribution of electriccurrents among a plurality of translating devices in determinate order, comprising the following instrumentalities:

a source of electromotive force and current,

a trunk conductor connected to said source,

and a distributer containing a plurality of together with means for supporting and' driving said traveling pairs so that only one pair will make contact at the same time.

7. A system for generation and distribution of electric currents among a plurality of translating devices in determinate order. comprising the following instrumencurrent. a trunk conductor connected to said source, and a distributer containing a plurality of'fixed terminals mechanically separated but all electricallyconnected 'to said trunk conductor, a plurality of groups or sets each composed of a plurality of fixed unit, terminals connected to determinate, translating devices, and'a'plurality of traveling pairs of terminals, one pair. for each group or set of unitterminals, each pair having one terminal adapted totravel over-and sequentially effect contact with terminals of the trunk conductor, while the associated terminal of the pair travels over and simultaneously and successively effects contact with determinate unit terminals of its'group or set. together with means for supporting and driving said traveling pairs so that each-pair will make, and break both its contacts simultaneously, and the two pairs will make and break alternately.

8. A system for generation and distribution of electric currents among a plurality of translating devices in determinate order,

,talities: a source of electromotive force and t comprising the followinginstrumentalities:

a source ofcurrent, a trunk conductor connected to said source, and a distributer comprising a rotary, part and fixed circuit terminals arranged in a plurality of sets, one set connected in parallel to the trunk conductor, and the terminals of each of the other sets being individually and se arately connected-to unit translating devlces, the

spaced relative to each other around the axis of the rotary part, and a plurality of traveling connected pairs of contacts carried by the rotary part of the distrib'uter, the pairs heing angularly displaced fromeach other, and the contacts in each pair being arranged so that one contact will sweep over the set of terminals connected to the trunk conductor while the other contact of the pair will sweep over the terminals of one particular set.

9. A systemfor generation and distribution of electric currents among a plurality of translating devices in determinate order. comprising the following instrumentalities: a source of current, a trunk conductor connected to said source, and a distributcr comprisingca rotary part and fixed circuit terminals arranged in a plurality of sets, one set connected in parallel to the trunk conductorjaml the terminals of each of the other sets being individually and separately connccted to unit translating devices, the terminals in all of the sets being angularly spaced relative to ach other around the axis of the rotary part, and a plurality of traveling connected pairs of contacts carried by the rotary part of the distributor, the pairs being angularly displaced from each other, and the contacts in each pair being arranged so that one contact will sweep over the set of terminals connected to the trunk conductor while the other contact of the pair will sweep over the terminals of one particular set. make and break contacts by the two connected elements of each traveling pair being simultaneous, whereby the trunk conductor and the source of current will be connected at any given instant through one pair only to one selected terminal in one selected set of the translating devices.

10. A system for generation and distribu-' tion of electric currents among a plurality of translating devices in determinate order. comprising the following instrumentalities: a source of current, a trunk conductor connected thereto, and a distributer comprising a fixed shell and a driven rotor centered with respect to the shell, a plurality of sets of distributing terminals supported upon said shell in circles aced apart from each other, a circular series of fixed terminals also supported on the shell and all connected to said trunk conductor, a plurality of insulated brush contacts on the rotor, each adapted to sweep over one determinate circle or are of distributing terminals and no other, a corresponding number of insulated brush contacts angularly displaced from each other, but all arranged to sweep over the circle or are of terminals connected to the trunk conductor, and means connecting said brush contacts in pairs,

distributer comprising a cylindrical shell and a driven rotor element axially centered therein, a plurality of sets of distributing terminals arranged on circles spaced apart along the shell, a number of live or current terminals electrically connected together, common to the sets of distributing terminals but on a circle spaced apart therefrom, a brush contact carried by the rotor element for and adapted to sweep over, each of the sets of distributing terminals, and connected terminals carried by the rotor element adapted to successively connect the live terminals to unit terminals in the several distributing sets. 7

'12. In a system of the class described, a distributor comprising a cylindrical shell and a driven rotor element axially centered therein, a plurality of sets of ,(listributing terminals arranged on circles spaced apart along the shell, a number of live or current terminals electrically connected together, common to the sets of distributingterminals but on a circle spaced apart therefrom, a brush contact carried by the rotor element for, and adapted to sweep over, each of the sets of distributing terminals, and a plurality of associated brush terminals, one for each of the first named brush contacts connected thereto to form a pair, all sweeping over the live terminals as the rotor member rotates, the pairs being relatively arranged so as to alternate in their connection of the live terminals with the distributing terminals. I

13. In a system of the class described, a source of current, a current terminal therefor, and a distributor comprising the following instrumentalities: a cylindrical shell having one end open and one end closed to form a head, a plurality of distributing terminals in sets carried on the shell in circles spaced apart from its head and from each other, a set of live or current terminals arranged on a circle upon the head, and a plurality of pairs of brush contacts corresponding in number to the number of sets of distributing terminals, the brush contacts of each pair adapted in their sweep to successively connect the live terminals to the unit terminals in the set to which the pair corresponds.

14, In a system of the class described, a distributer having fixedand movable elements, and fixed circuit terminals arranged in a plurality of sets, with means carried by said movable element to successively connect terminals in one set with ternnnals in other sets.

cylinder, live or current terminals in the head of the cylinder. a rotary element within the cylinder, peripheral brushes carried on said rotary element, one for each set of distributing terminals and eachadaptedin its rotation to sweep over the exposed ends of its set of terminals within the cylinder, and end brushes carried on said rotary element sweeping over said live terminals. in common, each end brush connected to one of the peripheral brushes '16. In' a system 'of the class described, a current generator, drlvmg means therefor,

' and a distributer secured upon the generator and adapted to be actuated from its drivmg means, comprising the following instrumentali'ties: a cylindrical shell carrying av plurality of sets of distributing terminals on circles axially spaced apart along the cylin der, live or .current'terminals in the head of the cylinder, a rotary lement within the cylinder, peripheral brushes carried on said rotary element, one for each setof distributing terminals and each adapted in its rotation to sweep over the exposed ends of its set of terminals within the cylinder, and end brushes carried on said rotary element sweeping over said live terminals in common, each end brush connected to one of the peripheral brushes, and angularly d1splaced from the other end brush or brushes,

whereby no two distributing terminals and no two sets of distributing termmals'can be connected to the current terminals at the same time.

17. In combination, a generator having a driving shaft, and a distributer comprising the following instrumentalities: a rotary element geared to said driving shaft, a fixed element surrounding said rotary element and carrying peripheral and-end terminals, and means on the rotary element to make and break double contacts in the same circuit between'said end and peripheral terminals.

18. In a system of'the class described,

-means for generating high tension current,

and a distributer associated therewith containing terminals for a plurality of distribution circuits, and a terminal for the generating means, together with means for building up a connection and breaking the same through a. plurality of contacts in series between the generating terminal and any one of the distributing terminals.

19. In. a system of the class described,

means for generating high tension current,

contacts acting to open simultaneously,

20. In a system of the class described, means for generating high tension current, and a distributer associated therewith containing terminals for a plurality of distribution circuits. and a terminal for the generating means, together with means for building up a connection and breaking the same through a plurality of contacts in series between the generating terminal and any one of the distributing terminals, said contacts acting to 'open'and close simultaneously, and the several terminals being so related that closing of any path to a distributing circuit cannot be effected until both vgaps in series in the preceding path to another terminal are openedto their maximum extent.

21. In a system of the class described, a support, a generator terminal. a driving gear mounted on said support with a 'free opening through its center, and a distributer support, a generator terminal, a driving gear mounted on said support with a free opening through its center, and a distributer having a rotary member provided with a body and a central projecting stem extending through the central opening in said gear, and a fixed member holding the rotary member in position, cooperating contacts on said fixed and rotary members, and a circuit connector having a contact brush on its inner end bearing against the generator terminal, and extending through the axis of the rotary member and its stem to the in- 'terrupter contacts.

23. In a system of the class described, a generator, a winding thereon having an exposed terminal, and a detachable interrup- -ter having the current orsu'pply side of its circuit terminating in an exposed brush terminal arranged so as to automatically make contact'with the generator terminal When the interrupter is secured in position, and to automatically break contact when the interrupter is detached. i

24'. In a system of the class described, a

generator, a winding thereon having an ex- 'posed terminal, means for driving said generator, a gear wheel also driven from said means, and a detachable distributer comprising the following instrumentalities: a rotary member having a cylindrical body of insulating material and an axially projecting stein adapted to be passed through the open center of said gear \vheel, so that the body will engage and turn therewith, a

metal conductor extending from end to end through the stem and body of the rotary member and terminating 1n y eldln brush contacts at both ends, the contact at t 1e stem end when the member is in position on the gear wheel, makin contact with the generator terminal; an carrying fixed distributingterminals and a fixed current terminal embedded in its body with their inside faces exposed, the current terminal being located in the end'or head of the cylinder overlying the outer end of the rotary'member of'the distributer, and

normally making contact with the outer .movable, but adapted to maintain contact with each other duringftheir respective movements.

26. In a system of the class described, a dynamo havinga part adjustablefor timing the peak of its E. M. F curve, a collector terminal carried on said adjustable part, and a distributer having a cooperating brush terminal adapted to maintain direct contact with the generator terminal throughout the range of its adjustment.

27. In .a system of the class described, a

dynamo having a part adjustable for timing purposes, a collectorterminal carried on said part and traveling therewith, and a distributer having a fixed and a movable element, the fixed element carryingdistributing terminals, and the movable element carrying brush contacts thereforand a separate brush contactengaging said collector terminal on the dynamo throughout the range of their respective movements.

28. In a system of the class described, a dynamo having a part adjustable for timing purposes, an exposed collector terminal carried on said part and having a length equal to the range of adjustment, and an interrupter having fixed and traveling cona shell or fixed .meinber tacts, and a brush terminal therefor engaged by the dynamo contact throughoutits range of travel during adjustment.

29. In a system of the class described, a dynamo having a rotor, a winding separate therefrom and with an exposed collector terminal mounted thereon, anda distributer adapted to be attached to the dynamo with a cooperating terminal thereby brought .into direct engagement with said collector terminal on the winding. I p

30. In a system of the class described, a dynamo havin therefrom ant adjustable for timing purposes, an exposed collector terminal for said winding mounted upon and traveling with a rotor, a winding separate it, and a distributer adapted to be attached to said dynamo, with a brush contact thereby brought into engagement with the collector terminal on the winding in such manner as to remain in engagement therewith throughout the range of travel thereof.

31. In a system of the class described, a

dynamohaving an exciting field, an armature structure,-a 'rotor, and a" generating "winding on the armature structure, said ,j' 32. distributer for high tension ignition systems comprising a cylindricalshell of insulating material, distributing terminals in.circular arrangement around the shell and embedded in the insulating material, with their ends exposed around the inner surface of the shell, a substantially cylindrical rotary member of insulating material within the shell, having a lateral recess in its body'and a brush terminall ocated therein with its end ada ted to sweep around the inner surface of the shell over the exposed faces of the distributingterminals, and insulating conducting means adapted to convey current to said brush terminal.

33. A distributer for high tension ignition systems comprising a cylindrical"'shell of insulating material, distributing ter-' minals in circular arrangement around the shell and. embedded in the insulating material, with their ends exposed around the inner surface of'the shell, a substantially cylindrical rotary member of insulating material within the shell, having a lateral recess in 1ts body and a brush terminal located therein with its end adapted to sweep .around the inner surface of the shell over the exposed faces of the distributing ter minals, 'and a conductor extending through terminal.

ea. A distributer for high tension igni- ,tion systems comprising a cylindrical shell of insulating material, distributing termi- ;-nals-in circular arrangement around the shell and embedded in the insulating ma-' terial, with their ends exposed around the inner surface of the shell, a substantially cylindrical rotary member of insulating material within the shell, having a lateral rethe exposed faces of the distributing terminals, together with cotiperating insulated contacts in the end of the rotary member "cess in itsbody and a brush terminal'located therein with its end adapted to sweep around the inner surface of. the shell over and on the adj acent head of the shell, to connectj said conductor to the brush terminal. 35. A distributer for hightensionigni- I tion systems'comprising a cylindrical shell of insulating material with one end closed 7 and theother end open, a cylindrical rotor also of insulating material extending into the open end of the shell, a plurality of sets. of distributing terminals each set arranged ,in a circle around the 'outside of theshell with theunit terminals extending radially through the wall of'the shell so as to expose their ends around" the inner face thereof,

and the several sets being'in planes spaced apart from each other along the cylinder,

' 4o. rality of terminals embedded'in the head of the shell, with their ends exposed on theinner face thereof and all connected in par radial recesses extendin into the insulating body of the rotary mem erwone for each set of distributing terminals, and abrush ,in

'each recess with its head in. position to sweep around over its'own set of'distributing terminals only, a trunkfconductor conveying current to the distrlbuten-and a 'pluallelito said trunk conductor, a number (if cesses and the number of sets of distributin recesses in'the end of the rotary member corresponding to the number of lateralreterminals, and brushes seated in said en recesses adapted to sweep over the exposed ends of the current-carrying terminals in the head of' the shell, together with an electrical connection through the body of the rotary member from each of the end brushes toone only of the lateral brushes. 1

a terminal for the same, a rotor and its driving shaft in said "dynamo, a frame or support secured upon the dynamofa gear wheel ournaled on a tubular bearing 1n said frame, couplingmea-ns projecting from said gear'wheel, and an interrupter comprising a cylindrical shell and a cylindrical rotor 36. In a high'tension ignition'system, a dynamo carrying a generating winding and ing brushes on' the rotary member, and a conductor extending through the axis of the body and stem of the rotary member from end to end thereof with spring pressed brushes at its ends, with terminal spring pressed brushes, the brush at the inner end engaging the terminal of the generating winding and the brush on the outer end engaging a contact in the head or end of the shell, with means connecting-said contact tothe brushes of the rotary member, whereby the shell normally serves to maintain the rotary member in operating engagement with and relation to its driving gear and the terminal of the generating winding, and when detached, permits the removal of the rotary member by simply pulling it away from the gear and removing its stem fromthe tubular bearing thereof, automatically breaking all electrical 'connections thereby.

37. In an ignition system, a magneto having a generating coil with one end terminating'on an exposed terminal, and a distributer having fixed and movable members, adapted to be detachably secured to the generator with a cotiperating contact engaging said coil terminal, said connection between ably connecting the movable member of said distributer to said gear, and means for connecting the fixed member of the distributer to the'frame or support of the machine, the parts being so arranged that the connection between the coil terminal and the contact will be automatically broken when said. distributer is removed from the magneto. i

y 39. In an ignition system, a generator having a tubular journal bearing, a bushed gear. on said bearing, means for driving the same from the generator shaft, a distributer having a rotary member provided with a body and a centrally projecting stem which is adapted to be plugged into said bush gear and turned therewith, means for retaining the same in position, a fixed member holding said rotary member in position, cotiperating contacts on said fixed and rotary members, a circuit connection from. the

"generator terminal to said contacts extending through the central stem of the rotary member.

-40. In an ignition system, a generator having an exciting field, a generating coil and a rotor separate from said generating coil and having means to produce a plurality of E. M. F. peaks in said winding for each rotation of the rotor, in combination with a distributer geared to be driven with said rotor and provided with means 'for dividing and distributing in determinate groups the several. currents due to the corresponding E. M. F. changes produced in the generator winding 'for successive rotations of the rotor.

41. In an ignition system, a generator having an exciting field, a generating'winding, and a rotor with a plurality of mem, bers each adapted to vary the flux from the field through the winding during each rotation of the rotor, whereby a plurality of symmetrically varying E. M. F. and current waves are produced for each, rotation, in

l combination with a distributer geared to be driven with the rotor, and provided with a plurality of groups of distributing termirents symmetrically and successively to said distributing terminals when said current and E. M. F. waves are at a maxinnun and during thesuccessive rotations of the rotor and the distributer, together with a circuit breakeralso driven with the rotor, and adapted to produce a plurality of breaks and thereby a plurality of discharges from the winding through the distributer, at predetermined points on the several 1*]. M. F. waves, for each rotation of the rotor, and means for varying the time of the breaks relatively to their respective E. M. F.

waves. i

44. In "an ignition system, a generator adapted to produce four or more E. M. F. and current waves for each rotation of its rotor, a distributer and a circuit breaker both driven with the rotor, the distributer nals, and means to distribute said currents symmetrically and ,successivel to said distributing terminals when sai current" and E, M. F. wave's'are at a'maximum and during the successive rotations of the rotor and the distributer.

having anexciting field, a generating winding,fand a rotor with'a plurality of memberseach adapted to vary, the flux from the field through the winding during each rotation of the rotor, whereby a plurality of I symmetrically-evarying M. F. .and ourrent waves are produced for each rotation,v

in combination with adistributer geared to be driven with the rotor, and provided with a carrying a plurality of groups of distributing terminals, and means for selecting and distributing the current waves or impulses among the terminals, and a circuit. breaker adapted to symmetrically break and thereby cause symmetrical discharges due to the said F. waves througlrthe circuits succesplurality of groups of distributing termina'ls, and means to distribute said currents symmetrically and'successively to said distributing terminals when said. current and E. M. F, waves areata maximum and during the successive.rotations-of the rotor and the distributer, together, with a circuit jbreaker also driven with the rotor, and

adapted to produce a plurality of breaks and thereby a plurality of discharges from the winding through the distributer,- at redetermined points on the several E.

waves, for each rotation of the rotor.

43. Inan ignition system, a generator having anexciting field, a generating winding, and a'rotor with a plurality of -members each adapted to vary the flux fronrthe field through the winding through each rotation of the rotor, whereby a plurality of symmetrically varying E. M. F. and currentwaves are produced for each rotation,

in combination with a distributergeared to be driven with the rotor, and provided' with a plurality of groups of distributing terminals, and means to distribute said cur'-.

sively established by the distributer.

45.111 an ignition system, av generator adapted to produce four or more E. M. F.

and current wavesfor each rotation of its In; an' ignition system, a generator rotor, a circuit breaker adapted to produce a corresponding plurality of breaks and discharges for each rotation of the rotor, and a distributer connected and driven so as to distribute the corresponding discharges in successive rotations.

46. In a system of the class described, a dynamo forgenerating a plurality of current impulses er revolution comprising a fixed exciting eld structure, a rotor com posed' of two members, each formed in U- shape with theiropen ends overlapped to present alternate poles as the rotor is rogenerating coil, and a rotor rotating in said field and adapted to produce in said coil 1 four or more impulses per revolution, and a distributer electrically connected to the coil and mechanically connected to the rotor through reducing gears, whereby said rotor will make aplurality of revolutions for each single revolution of the distributer, and a number of distribution terminals in said distributer equal to the whole number of circuits to be served, with means to connect said coil in succession to each one of said terminals during each revolution of the distributer. I

48. In a system of the class described,

. means for generating and distributing cur-' rent 1mpulses 1nto aplurahty of distribution circuits such as the sparking circuits of a multi-cylinder engine, comprising a field, a generating coil, and a. rotor rotating in said field and adapted toproduce in said coil four or more impulses per revolution, and a distributer electrically connected to the coil and mechanically connected to the rotor through reducing gears, whereby said rotor will make a plurality of revolutions .means for generating and distributing current impulses into a plurality of distribution circuits such as the sparking circuits of a 'multi-cylinder engine, comprising a field, a generating coil, and a rotor rotatmg 1n saidfield and adapted to produce in said coil four'or more impulses per revolution, and

a distributer electrically' connected to the coil and mechanically connected to the. rotor through reducing gears, whereby said rotor will make'a plurality of revolutions for each single revolution of the distributer, and a number of distribution terminals in said distributer equal to the whole number of cir cuits to be served, with means to connect said coil in succession to each one of said terminals during each revolution of the distributer, together with means for adjusting circuits such as the sparking circuits of a multi-cylinder engine, comprising a tield a generating coil, and a rotor rotating n said field and adapted to produce 1n sa1 d 0011 four or more impulses per revolution, and a distributer electrically connected to the coil and mechanically connected to the rotor through reducing gears, whereby said rotor will make a plurality of rev olutions for each single revolution of the distributer, and a number of distribution terminals 1n sald distributer equal to the whole number of circuits to be served, with means to connect said coil in succession to-each oneof said terminals during each revolution of the distributer, together with an interrupter driven with the rotor and adapted to render the discharge circuit from the coil operative at a predetermined pointon the E. M. F. and current wave of each and every impulse produced in the coil.

51. A dynamo for supplying current impulses in succession to a plurality of distributing circuits comprising the follow-: ing instrumentalities: a field,a rotor and a generating coil, an interrupter mechanically connected with the rotor and electrically connected with the coil, and a distributer mechanically geared to the rotor and elec-- trically connected to the coil, said rotor having means for producing in said coil'four or more current impulses per revolution, said interrupter rendering operative the discharge circuit from the coil at a predetermined pointon the E. M. F. or current wave of each and every impulse produced in the coil and said distributer through its gears traveling at such a ratio of speed with the rotor that it will combine theimpulses from the coil due to a plurality of revolutions of the rotor, and deliver them in a single revolution of the distributer to all of the desired distribution circuits in succession.

52. vAdynamo for supplying current impulses in succession to a plurality of distributing circuits comprising the following instrumentalities: a field, a rotor and;a generating coil, an interrupter mechanically connected with the rotor and electrically connected with the coil, and a distributor mechanically geared to the rotor and electrically connected to the coil. said rotor hav ing means for producing in said coil four or more current impulses per revolution, said interrupter rendering operative the discharge circuit from the coil at a predeter mined point on the E. M. F. or current wave of each and every impulse produced in the coil and said distributer through its gears traveling at such a ratio of speed with therotor that it will combine the impulses from the coil due to a plurality of revolutions of Q the rotor, and deliver them in a single revolution of the distributer to all of the de sired distribution circuits in succession, together with means for Varying at will the point in each revolution of the rotor where thel peak E. M. F. will be produced in the cm 53. A. dynamo for supplying current impulses in succession to a plurality of distributing circuits comprising the following instrumentalities: a field, a rotor and a generating coil, an interrupter mechanically connected with the rotor and electrically connected with the coil. and a distributer mechanically geared to the rotor and electrically connected to thecoil, said rotor having means for producing in said coil four or more current impulses per revolution,

said interrupter rendering operative the discharge circuitfrom the coil at a predetermined point on the E. M, F. or current wave of each and every impulse produced in the coil and said distributer through its gears .travehng at such a ratio ofspeed with the rotor that it will combine the impulses from the coil due to a plurality of revolutions of the rotor, and deliver them in a single revolution of the distributer to all of the desired distribut-ing circuits in succession, together with means for varying at will the point in each revolution of the rotor where the peak rotor having two elements each with a plurality of arms whereby a corresponding plurality of current reversals is produced in the coil at each revolution of the rotor, means for receiving and arranging in sets or groups the current impulses of successive revolutions of the rotor and distributing them among the-distribution circuits in one series' In an ignition dynamo for multi-circuit distribution, a field, a generating coil, arotor having two elements each with a plurality of arms whereby a corresponding plurality of current reversals is produced in the coil at each revolution of the rotor, means for receiving and arranging in sets or groups the current impulses of successive revolutions of the rotor and distributing them among the distribution circuits in one series, said means adapted to select and distribute among the distribution circuits by groups, and unit circuits in a group, the number of groups being the same as the number of revolutions of the rotor for each complete series, and the number of unit or individual circuits in each group being the same as the number of current changes or flux reversals produced in each revolution of the rotor.

56. In an ignition dynamo, a field. a rotor composed of two elements each with a plurality of flux bearing arms, all said arms rotating in succession through a flux varying path, a. generating coil, a core for the same, and a pair of pole pieces forming magnetic terminals of said core and lying in an-arc adjacent to the path of travel of the rotor elements, the length of said arc and the distance between the centers of the exposed polar faces, being less than 180, whereby alternate poles of opposite elements in the rotor are successively bridged across said polar faces in alternate reversed directions.

57. In an ignition dynamo, a field. a rotor composed of two elements each with a plurality of llux bearing arms. all said arms rotating in succession through a llux varying path. a generatingcoil, a core for the same, and a pair of pole pieces forming magnetic terminals ofsaid core and lying in an are adjacent to the path of travel of the rotor elements. the length of said are and the distance between the centers of the exposed polar faces. being less than 180. and corresponding to the angular displacement between each adjacent pair of opposed polar prmigs on the respective rotor elements.

58. In an ignition dynamo, a field. a rotor composed of two elements each with a plurality of flux bearing arms. all said arms rotating in succession through a flux varying path, a generating coil, a core for the same, and a pair of pole pieces forming magnetic terminals of said core and lying in an are adjacent to the path of travel of the rotor elements, the length of said are and the distance between the centers of the exposed polar faces. being less than 180, and determined by dividing the total circumference of a circle of 360 into as many parts as there are prongs or polar projections on each of the elementsof the rotor.

59. In a system of the class described, a generator having a field, a generating coil and a rotor separate from said coil and adapted to produce with the coil four or more E. M. F. and current waves forcach revolution. a distributer adapted to combine and distribute in one series the impulses produced in a plurality of revolutions of the rotor, and an interrupter electrically connected with the coil and mechanically actuated with and from the rotor, with means for adjusting said interrupter for timing purposes. so as to simultaneously vary the sparking point on each and every one of the impulses delivered from the coil to the distributer, for each revolution of the rotor and for each complete operation of the distributer.

(50. An apparatus for distributing ignition current from a trunk point to a plurality of spark devices including in combination, a trunk conductor, a plurality of receiving terminals each of which is adapted to be con-' nected to a spark device, said terminals being arranged ina plurality of groups, and means for selecting one of said groups of receiving terminals and then another and simultaneously connected :1 selected receiving terminal in said group to said trunk conductor.

61. An apparatus for distributingignition current from a trunk point to a plurality of spark devices including in combination, a trunk conductor, a plurality of receiving terniinals each of which is connected to a spark device, said receiving terminals being ariaq ' ranged in a plurality of groups, a series of mechanically separated but electrically connected contacts connected with said trunk conductor, and means for selecting one of said groups of receiving terminals-and then another and simultaneously connecting a terminal of said group with a unit contact connected with the trunk conductor. i

62. An apparatus for distributing ignition current from a trunk point to a plurality of spark devices including in combination, a plurality of receiving terminals each of which is adapted to beconnected to the spark device of an internal combustion engine, said receiving terminals being arranged in a plurality of groups, a series of contacts mechanically separated but electrically connected together and to said trunk conductor, and means for simultaneously selecting one of said groups of receiving terminals at a time and connecting a unit terminal therein with an associated unit contact in said series ofcontacts connected to said trunk conductoix I I In testimony whereof .I hereunto afiix my signature in the presence of two Witnesses. CHARLES'THOMAS MASON. Witnesses: v

H. VAN DE'vEN'rER,

EDNA IsLER. 

